Washington, D.C.— The 174th session of the Executive Committee of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) commenced today in Washington, D.C., focusing on over 40 critical issues aimed at enhancing health across the Americas. Key topics include fortifying the health sector against climate change and implementing epidemic intelligence for the early detection of health emergencies.
PAHO Director Jarbas Barbosa underscored the Committee’s significance in steering regional health initiatives: “I am eager to map out concrete actions that we can take together to expand primary health care and help advance universal health coverage,” he stated.
Dr. Barbosa emphasized the urgency of increasing vaccination rates and improving maternal, neonatal, and child health metrics. He also addressed the escalating impact of noncommunicable diseases and climate threats, particularly during the hurricane season in the Americas.
Highlighting the region’s response capabilities, Dr. Barbosa praised the investments and efforts of Member States during the pandemic, which saved lives and improved access to essential health tools, closing critical gaps in health systems. He stressed that the same level of urgency and innovation is required to tackle current health challenges and ensure equitable healthcare access.
The Executive Committee’s agenda also includes discussions on strengthening health information systems, reinforcing essential public health functions, reducing sepsis, controlling tobacco use, and integrating surgical and emergency care.
In his address, Dr. Barbosa called for a renewed commitment to Pan-Americanism to foster a healthier future for the region. He emphasized the necessity of continued investment in national health agencies to maintain public health as a political priority.
Dr. Barbosa made a global appeal for the Americas to lead in public health innovation and to play a pivotal role in the global health agenda. He reaffirmed PAHO’s dedication to health equity and universal coverage, stating, “We must be relentless in our pursuit of universal health to ensure equal health opportunities for all.”
The Executive Committee, meeting from June 24 to 28 at PAHO headquarters, can be followed live online. This body, which convenes biannually, functions as a working group of the Pan American Sanitary Conference and the PAHO Directing Council, comprising nine Member States elected for a three-year term.
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